A qualitative exploration of the experience and quality of life of patients, and their family carers, admitted to a specialist eye hospital with microbial keratitis

Tranter, SA; Cabreras-Aguas, M; Riddell, M; McCulloch, J; Riley, T; Watson, S; Perry, L

A qualitative exploration of the experience and quality of life of patients, and their family carers, admitted to a specialist eye hospital with microbial keratitis

Tranter, SA Cabreras-Aguas, M Riddell, M McCulloch, J Riley, T Watson, S Perry, L

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Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: 2020
Issue Date:: 2020-11-03

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Tranter, SA
dc.contributor.author	Cabreras-Aguas, M
dc.contributor.author	Riddell, M
dc.contributor.author	McCulloch, J
dc.contributor.author	Riley, T
dc.contributor.author	Watson, S
dc.contributor.author	Perry, L https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8507-1283
dc.date.accessioned	2022-04-20T00:03:22Z
dc.date.available	2022-04-20T00:03:22Z
dc.date.issued	2020-11-03
dc.identifier.citation	2020
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/156477
dc.description.abstract	<h4>Background: </h4> Microbial keratitis is a vision-threatening condition requiring intensive treatment. Understanding patients’ and carers’ experience during and after hospitalisation can inform improvements in care and outcomes. This study explored the vision-related quality of life, and the experiences of patients with microbial keratitis and their family carers when admitted to a quaternary referral eye hospital in Australia <h4>Methods: </h4>: The study employed mixed methods, including qualitative interviews and a survey in hospital and a telephone interview post-discharge. A convenience sample was recruited of 33 patients with microbial keratitis who presented to hospital between March and October 2017, and 10 of their family carers. Semi-structured interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed using thematic analysis. Patient participants completed the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire – 25 (NEIVFQ-25). <h4>Results: </h4>: Qualitative analyses identified two main themes: Saving sight, with subthemes of costs of saving sight, and travel and transportation; Safe-guarding home and normal life with subthemes of family, work and pastimes . A group mean NEIVFQ-25 score of 74 was similar to other ophthalmic disease groups but pain scores were higher. <h4>Conclusion: </h4> : Findings provide insights into the experiences and often unspoken concerns of microbial keratitis patients and their family carers, revealing the priority and the associated costs of saving sight, and the implications for family and lifestyles. These patients reported similarly reduced vision-related quality of life but greater pain compared to other ophthalmic groups. Findings point to ways to improve their experience and potentially reduce the high rates of unplanned representations of this patient group.
dc.language	en
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.21203/rs.2.9130/v3
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.title	A qualitative exploration of the experience and quality of life of patients, and their family carers, admitted to a specialist eye hospital with microbial keratitis
dc.type	Journal Article
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CHSP - Health Services and Practice
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
dc.date.updated	2022-04-20T00:03:21Z
pubs.publication-status	Published

Abstract:

Background:

Microbial keratitis is a vision-threatening condition requiring intensive treatment. Understanding patients’ and carers’ experience during and after hospitalisation can inform improvements in care and outcomes. This study explored the vision-related quality of life, and the experiences of patients with microbial keratitis and their family carers when admitted to a quaternary referral eye hospital in Australia

Methods:

: The study employed mixed methods, including qualitative interviews and a survey in hospital and a telephone interview post-discharge. A convenience sample was recruited of 33 patients with microbial keratitis who presented to hospital between March and October 2017, and 10 of their family carers. Semi-structured interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed using thematic analysis. Patient participants completed the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire – 25 (NEIVFQ-25).

Results:

: Qualitative analyses identified two main themes: Saving sight, with subthemes of costs of saving sight, and travel and transportation; Safe-guarding home and normal life with subthemes of family, work and pastimes . A group mean NEIVFQ-25 score of 74 was similar to other ophthalmic disease groups but pain scores were higher.

Conclusion:

: Findings provide insights into the experiences and often unspoken concerns of microbial keratitis patients and their family carers, revealing the priority and the associated costs of saving sight, and the implications for family and lifestyles. These patients reported similarly reduced vision-related quality of life but greater pain compared to other ophthalmic groups. Findings point to ways to improve their experience and potentially reduce the high rates of unplanned representations of this patient group.

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/156477